Readers write

Luckovich wrongly casts only poor whites as ‘anti-vax’

I’m appalled at Mike Luckovich’s tasteless portrayal of “DODOS” (Insights, Aug. 1). Shame on the editorial board for letting this trash pass for political humor. The cartoon characters presume that all non-compliers are white, uneducated, simpleton dodos of the Southern cracker culture. It is offensive, insensitive, and runs counter to the message that the AJC is trying to convey. Draw your own “racist” conclusions. The “anti-vax” and low vaccination problem is widespread and documented in well-defined culture groups and ethnicities. This cheap stuff does nothing to unite or address the real problem: communication and the lack thereof.

CAM GRAY, SUGAR HILL

No easy way out of Afghanistan

A letter writer (Readers Write, Aug. 1) writes, “still the President had no plans to demand an extension of the Aug. 31 deadline to continue the evacuation of American citizens and Afghan allies under much more favorable circumstances.”

I ask my fellow citizens: just what would those ‘more favorable circumstances’ be?

On that same page, in an opinion piece Ron Martz describes a long history of dealings with the Taliban in which “the Taliban agreed, only to abandon that agreement” when it is in its own interest to do so. The so-called ‘new’ Taliban seems to understand that it has to become more flexible to participate in and benefit from the world economy.

As I hear all the criticisms of the Biden administration in this withdrawal, I cite Ron Martz’s warning that “getting out of (Afghanistan) has always proved far more problematic than getting in.” So, I ask: just when would have been the “right” time and way to get out of there?

SALPI ADROUNY, JOHNS CREEK

Columnists Murphy, Dupree continue fine work of Jim Galloway

I must confess that when Jim Galloway announced he was leaving his position as columnist for the AJC, I was dismayed. Although I certainly do not begrudge him a well-earned retirement, I could not imagine who could possibly fill his shoes and have the kind of contacts, knowledge and credibility Jim had built up over decades, not to mention his talent for writing incisive, absorbing analyses of Georgia politics.

I am happy to see that you made an excellent choice for his successor in Patricia Murphy. Since taking over the “Political Insider” column, she has amply demonstrated that she is more than qualified for the job. The addition of Jamie Dupree’s “Washington Insider” column is also welcome, providing us a Georgia-based view of political doings at the federal level.

Thank you very much for making such a superb choice. Thank you, too, Ms. Murphy and Mr. Dupree, for continuing Jim Galloway’s work in such fine style.

MATT G. LEGER, ATLANTA

Actor leads by example with humanitarian service

From an interview with Sean Penn by Smerconish, more was learned about the essential humanitarian love that this actor/director, known for his portrayal of violence, exhibits from the core of his being.

In “Flag Day,” especially, he demonstrates how the worst human vices can be a paradox with love and a search for positive change. Penn has gone beyond most of us in 3 ways.

1.) He has supported vaccinations. “If you are not vaccinated, don’t come to the theatre.” He also gives to provide vaccinations in impoverished areas.

2.) He has put himself at risk by promoting service during danger. Living in filthy tents with people endangered by violence, he makes a life statement for human value.

3.) His humanitarian work speaks for the interdependence of all people. CORE, founded in 2010 as Community Organized Relief Effort, is still active worldwide.

Few of us can be famous, but we all can be engaged in moving toward positive interdependence.

MARY DEAN, CARROLLTON